Senior school ramps up for national skills week

By MAREE CONRAD WILSON*

From left Sandy Menadue, Principal JRLF Senior School and Roslyn McGuiness Principal Oatlands District High with students Brady Watson, Nicole Brooks

JORDAN River Learning Federation Senior School (JRLF SS) and Southern Central Trade Training Centre (SCTTC) were proud to be participating in National Skills Week recently. Staff, students, adult learners and members of the community rolled up their sleeves in order to showcase the excellent programs and state-of-the-art facilities which exist in this wonderful educational organisation.

The school’s investment in vocational education is helping to bolster the attendance, retention and attainment outcomes of students in the Bridgewater/Brighton community. Years 11 and 12 students engage in nationally accredited Certificate I, II and III programs which provide meaningful pathways across many industry areas.

A major strength of the school is its investment in school-based traineeships. Currently more than 10 per cent of the years 11 and 12 student cohort are engaged in school-based apprenticeships/traineeships.

What does a school-based apprenticeship/traineeship mean for JRLF Senior School and the Southern Central Trade Training Centre?

Students embark on two days, paid employment in reputable organisations

Students are paid for on the job employment and training

Students embark on a vocational course (extra study) relating to the company they work for

Students are afforded greater opportunity through the traineeship to obtain their Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) and future career pathway development

Students in a traineeship also continue with their year 11/12 studies for three days a week

Another significant JRLF Senior School initiative for 2018 is the pilot, ‘Driving For Jobs Program’. Gaining a driver’s licence and maintaining it can improve employment opportunities and life outcomes for many young people. The aim of this program is to deliver job readiness and driver training to young people in the Brighton Municipality. The program has a key focus on driver training, a life-time of safe driving and employer expectations and job readiness.

Students are realising their opportunities and maximising their potential in the world of vocational and trade innovation. Jordan River Senior School is not defined by perceived limitations but striving for excellence and persistence in future skill development for all young people in the Bridgewater /Brighton community.